General Weakness

What Causes Feeling Weak?

Feeling weak can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'minor' to 'generally fatal'.  Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.

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Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms.  In order to diagnose feeling weak, we could:

  • Research the topic
  • Find a doctor with the time
  • Use a diagnostic computer system.
The process is the same, whichever method is used.

Step 1: List all Possible Causes

We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "feeling weak" as a symptom.  Here are eight of many possibilities (more below):
  • Candida / Yeast
  • Brain Tumor
  • Hepatitis
  • Low Carbohydrate Diet Consequences
  • Magnesium Toxicity
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Hyperparathyroidism
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:
slightly pale stools
history of broken bones
significant right lumbar pain
joint pain/swelling/stiffness
recent onset vomiting
excessive thirst
reduced sense of smell
frequent bowel movement changes
heart racing/palpitations
having a CFS diagnosis
seizures
long-term low-carb dieting
... and more than 130 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of feeling weak:
Cause Probability Status
Hepatitis 97% Confirm
Magnesium Toxicity 29% Unlikely
Hypoglycemia 23% Unlikely
Candida / Yeast 4% Ruled out
Brain Tumor 2% Ruled out
Hyperparathyroidism 0% Ruled out
Low Carbohydrate Diet Consequences 0% Ruled out
Pulmonary Fibrosis 0% Ruled out
* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

In the General Symptoms section of the questionnaire, The Analyst™ will ask the following question about general weakness:
Do you have a sensation of general weakness?
Possible responses:
→ No / don't know
→ Occasional slight weakness but usually I'm fine
→ Frequent slight / occasional moderate weakness
→ Frequent moderate / occasional severe weakness
→ Severe weakness (almost) always, I can't function
Based on your response to this question, which may indicate general weakness, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:
Andropause/Male Menopause

The sensation of weakness, especially muscle weakness, may be due to the loss of muscle mass seen in andropause.

Dehydration

A loss of 4-5% of body weight of fluid decreases the capacity for hard muscular work by 20-30%.

Effects of a Low Carbohydrate Diet

Gradually increasing weakness is a sign of ketosis.  The May 2004 Annals of Internal Medicine study showed that most of the Atkins Dieters suffered significantly more general weakness.

Concerned or curious about your health?  Try The Analyst™
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